David Bowie — Ashes To Ashes (Live)
Album: Bowie at the BEEBAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 4664
Length: 5:00
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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Do you remember a guy that's been
In [[David Bowie:Space Oddity|such an early song]]?
I've heard a rumour from ground control
Oh no, don't say it's true
They got a message from the action man:
"I'm happy, hope you're happy, too
I've loved all I've needed love
Sordid details following"
The shrieking of nothing is killing just
Pictures of Jap girls in synthesis and I
Ain't got no money and I ain't got no hair
But I'm hoping to kick but this planet is glowing, glowing, glowing, glowing, glowing...
Ashes to ash and funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junkie
Strung out in heaven's high
Hitting an all-time low
Time and again, I tell myself
I'll stay clean tonight
But the little green wheels are following me
Oh no, not again
I'm stuck with a valuable friend
I'm happy, hope you're happy, too
One flash of light but no smoking pistol
I've never done good things
I've never done bad things
I never did anything out of the blue, woh-o-oh
Want an axe to break the ice
Wanna come down right now
Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junkie
Strung out in heaven's high
Hitting an all-time low
My mother said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom"
My mother said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom"
My mother said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom"
My mother said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom"
My mother said...
In [[David Bowie:Space Oddity|such an early song]]?
I've heard a rumour from ground control
Oh no, don't say it's true
They got a message from the action man:
"I'm happy, hope you're happy, too
I've loved all I've needed love
Sordid details following"
The shrieking of nothing is killing just
Pictures of Jap girls in synthesis and I
Ain't got no money and I ain't got no hair
But I'm hoping to kick but this planet is glowing, glowing, glowing, glowing, glowing...
Ashes to ash and funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junkie
Strung out in heaven's high
Hitting an all-time low
Time and again, I tell myself
I'll stay clean tonight
But the little green wheels are following me
Oh no, not again
I'm stuck with a valuable friend
I'm happy, hope you're happy, too
One flash of light but no smoking pistol
I've never done good things
I've never done bad things
I never did anything out of the blue, woh-o-oh
Want an axe to break the ice
Wanna come down right now
Ashes to ashes, funk to funky
We know Major Tom's a junkie
Strung out in heaven's high
Hitting an all-time low
My mother said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom"
My mother said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom"
My mother said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom"
My mother said, "To get things done
You'd better not mess with Major Tom"
My mother said...
Comments (259)add comment
bialia wrote:
How can you miss someone so much that you never actually knew? 
Liking that synth!
It is truly staggering, to have done such a freakin' MASTERPIECE track live! and it always hits me every time how far ahead, how fearlessly weird and wild, how incredibly adept at such mastery of every single level of sound and production he and everyone involved was!
alvarorb wrote:
The best version for sure. If you search a bit, you'll find several live versions of Ashes to Ashes. Like this one, the drums & big fat bass line drive the bus. What makes this one special to me are the keyboards/ synthesizers at the end. You don't hear that on other versions. And, you won't find this track on iTunes or Spotify, (why would we go there RP listeners?) you'll have to buy the CD on eBay like I did. William & team have curated and picked the perfect track. Thank you RP for digging deep and finding gems like this.
What an awesome version. I like it more than the studio one.
The best version for sure. If you search a bit, you'll find several live versions of Ashes to Ashes. Like this one, the drums & big fat bass line drive the bus. What makes this one special to me are the keyboards/ synthesizers at the end. You don't hear that on other versions. And, you won't find this track on iTunes or Spotify, (why would we go there RP listeners?) you'll have to buy the CD on eBay like I did. William & team have curated and picked the perfect track. Thank you RP for digging deep and finding gems like this.
One of my favorites, and this rendition is so in the groove! Listen to the guitar/bass/drum - definition of "tight". The video is amazing as well.
Amazing how I still get wistful about his loss; years later does not seem that long ago. What musical pioneer and genius.
Lemmes wrote:
that link is for Ashes to Ashes. Here's the full concert - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp2QaLXbc2M
that link is for Ashes to Ashes. Here's the full concert - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp2QaLXbc2M
My absolute favourite version of this song and I would say top five all time Bowie records.
I've begun to enjoy Bowie more and more. An odd figure for sure, but not in a bad kind of way.
sfyi2001 wrote:
The Talking Heads lyrics "I changed my hairstyle so many times now, I don't know what I look like" come to mind
The Talking Heads lyrics "I changed my hairstyle so many times now, I don't know what I look like" come to mind
Gets a 9 just for that bass line.
njegbers wrote:
Nope, Mark Plati on this one.
Gail Ann Dorsey . Amazing player. Also execellent singer.
Nope, Mark Plati on this one.
Love the turn with about a minute left. Such superb musicians!!
sub-arctic wrote:
Exactly my thoughts.
Yes.
Exactly my thoughts.Yes.
aliencat wrote:
Gail Ann Dorsey . Amazing player. Also execellent singer.
Killer bass line. Who is that? Herbie Flowers? Visconti? Lodge?
Gail Ann Dorsey . Amazing player. Also execellent singer.
Killer bass line. Who is that? Herbie Flowers? Visconti? Lodge?
Great song and I like the prominent bass.
And God said, "Let there be the perfect live version of a great studio album cut . . . ."
bialia wrote:
You get to to know them posthumously and regret having waited so long. Like how I feel about Amy Winehouse.
How can you miss someone so much that you never actually knew?
You get to to know them posthumously and regret having waited so long. Like how I feel about Amy Winehouse.
How can you miss someone so much that you never actually knew?
justin4kick wrote:
Thank you for the link. Awesome video. It made my rating go from 9 to 10.
The BBC concert is awesome!!
Thank you for the link. Awesome video. It made my rating go from 9 to 10.
The BBC concert is awesome!!
On_The_Beach wrote:
(Sorry, couldn't resist.)
The always impressive Gail Ann Dorsey.
Mark Plati plays bass on this song. Gail is playing rhythm guitar.
(Sorry, couldn't resist.)
The always impressive Gail Ann Dorsey.
Mark Plati plays bass on this song. Gail is playing rhythm guitar.
I prefer this version. The bass player is much faster in this version.
oppositelock wrote:
You are correct. Plati was recovering from two broken arms but he had this one down. You can see them switch at the beginning. The bass is insane on this one.
https://youtu.be/lNqo0kIR-TU
Thank you for the link. Awesome video. It made my rating go from 9 to 10.
You are correct. Plati was recovering from two broken arms but he had this one down. You can see them switch at the beginning. The bass is insane on this one.
https://youtu.be/lNqo0kIR-TU
Thank you for the link. Awesome video. It made my rating go from 9 to 10.
So great
The Blitz Kids in the video, he was their hero
On_The_Beach wrote:
(Sorry, couldn't resist.)
The always impressive Gail Ann Dorsey.
Actually this is Mark Plati. He switched up with her just for this song. Just recovering from breaking both arms in a bike crash. Watch the video!
(Sorry, couldn't resist.)
The always impressive Gail Ann Dorsey.
Actually this is Mark Plati. He switched up with her just for this song. Just recovering from breaking both arms in a bike crash. Watch the video!
My favorite Bowie song and my favorite version!
Any more takers on who is playing Bass, we have
Mark Plati
Gail Ann Dorsey
Herbie Flowers
I’m going with my mate Dave from our old school band, he had some top twiddly fingers !!
ufamsm wrote:
It's Herbie Flowers on bass.
Here it is, the song I always have to stop what I'm doing and love. Everything about this recording is flawless, especially Gail Ann Dorsey on bass and the creepy overhead speaker in department store from outer space voiceovers.
This recording is my favorite song in all of music.
It's Herbie Flowers on bass.
MinMan wrote:
It is on the extra disc of the limited edition. Check out the youtube video of that concert!
Is that the correct cover? I thought this was released in about 1979 - 1980.
It is on the extra disc of the limited edition. Check out the youtube video of that concert!
sfyi2001 wrote:
Any photos of him ever smiling?
Any photos of him ever smiling?
Here it is, the song I always have to stop what I'm doing and love. Everything about this recording is flawless, especially Gail Ann Dorsey on bass and the creepy overhead speaker in department store from outer space voiceovers.
This recording is my favorite song in all of music.
This recording is my favorite song in all of music.
sfyi2001 wrote:
Love it. The many faces of Bowie, and still he was so much more. What a delightful icon.
Love it. The many faces of Bowie, and still he was so much more. What a delightful icon.
Is that the correct cover? I thought this was released in about 1979 - 1980.
Just the best
For the life of me I cannot find this particular recording on iTunes. Any suggestions?
rpdevotee wrote:
Synth as well!
Amazing drum and bass lines really make this song
Synth as well!
whaleboneman wrote:
I apologize. I don't know what I was thinking. 9 to 10 now.
And thank you.
I just did the same thing 9---->10! I have so many Bowie songs rated as 10 that one or two should get just a 9. Nah, 10 across the board!
I apologize. I don't know what I was thinking. 9 to 10 now.
And thank you.
I just did the same thing 9---->10! I have so many Bowie songs rated as 10 that one or two should get just a 9. Nah, 10 across the board!
grexe wrote:
I apologize. I don't know what I was thinking. 9 to 10 now.
And thank you.
if this is not 10 god-like I don't know what is 😉
I apologize. I don't know what I was thinking. 9 to 10 now.
And thank you.
Godlike, for sure.
Great performance, great version..
That was so cool, never heard that live version, thanks RP..
jsjunk wrote:
In 1972 "Ashes to ashes" wasn't even written. But it is probably the 3rd CD of the "limited edition" of this record, which contains further recordings made on June 27, 2000.
Wrong album cover! This is clearly Sterling Campbell drumming, who would have been 8 years old in '72.
In 1972 "Ashes to ashes" wasn't even written. But it is probably the 3rd CD of the "limited edition" of this record, which contains further recordings made on June 27, 2000.
Best version of this song! 10+
Not a fan of the song, but really it's the videos chosen for this one. AWFUL! I listen at work with it on my screen and seeing cigarettes and ashtrays is very gross.
Wrong album cover! This is clearly Sterling Campbell drumming, who would have been 8 years old in '72.
msymmes wrote:
The bass is driving the speed....and I LIKE IT!
Just to reiterate a year later...
msymmes wrote:
Outstanding recording. Both from a performance and technical perspective.
But is it me or is the drummer making them go faster?
msymmes wrote:
Outstanding recording. Both from a performance and technical perspective.
But is it me or is the drummer making them go faster?
The bass is driving the speed....and I LIKE IT!
alanthecowboy wrote:
I think Mark Plati played on this version. For some reason he and Gail Ann swapped for this tune...
I bet Mark said to Gail, "this song and your part are just way too cool. Can I please please please play the bass this time??"
I think Mark Plati played on this version. For some reason he and Gail Ann swapped for this tune...
I bet Mark said to Gail, "this song and your part are just way too cool. Can I please please please play the bass this time??"
if this is not 10 god-like I don't know what is 😉
I thought his ashes were scattered around his upstate NY home in Mount Tremper/ Boiceville area.
Bass and drums so tight, chills
Solid bass playin here
my sister bought this as a single when i was into punk, was very uncool at the time but i absolutely loved the song and this live version is terrific. 10 for me.
CyrusPaul wrote:
It's Mark Plati on the bass. On this concert Mark was in the guitar but for this one they switched instruments
Gail Ann Dorsey killing it on the bass....
It's Mark Plati on the bass. On this concert Mark was in the guitar but for this one they switched instruments
Thanks for playing this rare version of one of the best songs by my favorite artist.
Thank you for playing this rare version of one of my favorite songs by my favorite artist ever.
Fantastic! One of his best songs. Great live recording too!
(Sorry, couldn't resist.)
The always impressive Gail Ann Dorsey.
Gail Ann Dorsey killing it on the bass....
Literally out of time.
I feckin love this.
Yep, I think this was my all-time favorite run on RP. An amazing way to start the day.
AKMacAddict wrote:
AKMacAddict wrote:
Nice three-fer... Major Tom, Space Oddity, and now Ashes to Ashes. Why I keep coming back.
Nice three-fer... Major Tom, Space Oddity, and now Ashes to Ashes. Why I keep coming back.
about a month ago I got this cd set with the bonus disc, used but in excellent condition
it sounds super good through my JBL's
it sounds super good through my JBL's
TIGHT
Hummmmm que c'est bon !!! MerciAmazing drum and bass lines really make this song
Tout simplement superbe! 
And technicians !!! Don't forget them
This is simply one of the best live tracks I've ever heard.
It's true than the bass is wonderful !!! and percussions to ! and guitars to ... in fact all of musicians
Le meilleur, the best, l'unique, l'extra-terrestre !!!
alanthecowboy wrote:
I think Mark Plati played on this version. For some reason he and Gail Ann swapped for this tune...
You are correct. Plati was recovering from two broken arms but he had this one down. You can see them switch at the beginning. The bass is insane on this one.
https://youtu.be/lNqo0kIR-TU
I think Mark Plati played on this version. For some reason he and Gail Ann swapped for this tune...
You are correct. Plati was recovering from two broken arms but he had this one down. You can see them switch at the beginning. The bass is insane on this one.
https://youtu.be/lNqo0kIR-TU
coloradojohn wrote:
...and drums!
Couldn't tell this was live. So polished.
Truly, one of the best grooves ever. Earth-shaking bass...dark, sinister lyrics...mind-bending guitar and keyboard work: MASTERPIECE
...and drums!
Couldn't tell this was live. So polished.
Love this version!
Nice tribute Bill.
Truly, one of the best grooves ever. Earth-shaking bass...dark, sinister lyrics...mind-bending guitar and keyboard work: MASTERPIECE
God I was in school when this Bowie album was out. Seems like yesterday sometimes. RIP BOWIE-A LEGEND.
A lovely end to the Major Tom trilogy. Thanks, Bill!
ecomaniac wrote:
I think Mark Plati played on this version. For some reason he and Gail Ann swapped for this tune...
I think Mark Plati played on this version. For some reason he and Gail Ann swapped for this tune...
Thank you ecomaniac!!! Gail Ann's Awesome
Anybody Can tell me who's playing bass here?
boontonite wrote:
Skydog wrote:
ah yes, the bonus disc, that explains everything
also I am very impressed with Bowie pulling this off live sounding this good,
another excellent job Mr Jones
The performances and recordings of various "Live at the BBC" discs (the Beatles, Led Zep, Dire Straits) that I've heard are almost uniformly outstanding. Why the hell they were kept from the public for so long is beyond me. It reminds me that the Beeb was about to throw away all of its recordings of Monty Python's shows before someone thought to ask the Pythons if they wanted them. If the Beeb hadn't asked, most of us would never have seen the shows...
This version was from a concert that was recorded at the time the "Bowie at the BEEB" discs were released. It was included on a bonus disc that came with the original package. The entire disc is worth checking out!
Skydog wrote:
ah yes, the bonus disc, that explains everything
also I am very impressed with Bowie pulling this off live sounding this good,
another excellent job Mr Jones
The performances and recordings of various "Live at the BBC" discs (the Beatles, Led Zep, Dire Straits) that I've heard are almost uniformly outstanding. Why the hell they were kept from the public for so long is beyond me. It reminds me that the Beeb was about to throw away all of its recordings of Monty Python's shows before someone thought to ask the Pythons if they wanted them. If the Beeb hadn't asked, most of us would never have seen the shows...
The band sound mighty tight on this one. Outstanding!
Incredible live performance. Better energy than the original studio version. Wow.
Wow - A "Major Tom" Trilogy Only on RP
OHMish wrote:
The 2000 bbc session (BBC Radio Theatre, June 27, 2000) was a bonus cd on the first release of this double cd set from 68-72. All very good.
I doubt that this is from any 68-72 BBC session, as the cover states.
It's most likely 2000-ish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNqo0kIR-TU
It's most likely 2000-ish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNqo0kIR-TU
The 2000 bbc session (BBC Radio Theatre, June 27, 2000) was a bonus cd on the first release of this double cd set from 68-72. All very good.
Skydog wrote:
...absolute agreement
can't help repeating myself but I love this recording,
Bowie and the whole band are scoring big time here
Bowie and the whole band are scoring big time here
...absolute agreement
can't help repeating myself but I love this recording,
Bowie and the whole band are scoring big time here
Bowie and the whole band are scoring big time here
I doubt that this is from any 68-72 BBC session, as the cover states.
It's most likely 2000-ish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNqo0kIR-TU
It's most likely 2000-ish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNqo0kIR-TU
I remember when I was a teenager and the video for this song was in heavy rotation on MTV. I hated it then. I groaned every time the video came on.
How time can change things. I love this song. It also brings with me that nostalgic longing of my youth.
How time can change things. I love this song. It also brings with me that nostalgic longing of my youth.
I just watched a thing on Bowie this weekend. As they were talking about this era, (and this track specifically), it just hit me how incredible and ingenious this song is. I mean, I know that's not a great revelation, because of course, Bowie. There is something that just reaches out and grabs me about this track.
Bowie was one of those who did things with calculated aplomb. Most of the time it just plain worked.
Bowie was one of those who did things with calculated aplomb. Most of the time it just plain worked.
boontonite wrote:
ah yes, the bonus disc, that explains everything
also I am very impressed with Bowie pulling this off live sounding this good,
another excellent job Mr Jones
This version was from a concert that was recorded at the time the "Bowie at the BEEB" discs were released. It was included on a bonus disc that came with the original package. The entire disc is worth checking out!
ah yes, the bonus disc, that explains everything
also I am very impressed with Bowie pulling this off live sounding this good,
another excellent job Mr Jones
OK, Thank You! Nothing like original material!
love love love it! 3 Major Tom songs in a row and great versions.
This version was from a concert that was recorded at the time the "Bowie at the BEEB" discs were released. It was included on a bonus disc that came with the original package. The entire disc is worth checking out!
Skydog wrote:
if like the album cover says 68-72 then no
which brings up the question
Bowie was doing this about a decade before it's 1980 release on 'Scary Monsters'?
Isn't it this one? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNqo0kIR-TU
if like the album cover says 68-72 then no
which brings up the question
Bowie was doing this about a decade before it's 1980 release on 'Scary Monsters'?
Isn't it this one? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNqo0kIR-TU
Proclivities wrote:
The bass player kicks ass on this version - I wonder if it's Gail Ann Dorsey.
if like the album cover says 68-72 then no
which brings up the question
Bowie was doing this about a decade before it's 1980 release on 'Scary Monsters'?
The bass player kicks ass on this version - I wonder if it's Gail Ann Dorsey.
if like the album cover says 68-72 then no
which brings up the question
Bowie was doing this about a decade before it's 1980 release on 'Scary Monsters'?
Fabulous. Great idea to do the Major Tom Trilogy and to highlight one particular artist. You should do this more often: find an artist to highlight and do three or four songs in a row that highlight that artist.
All Bowie: 10
It's the Major Tom trilogy. Nice.
WonderLizard wrote:
I'd always sorta consigned the album version to the "Yeah, I know...classic rock," but this one absolutely cooks.
The bass player kicks ass on this version - I wonder if it's Gail Ann Dorsey.
I'd always sorta consigned the album version to the "Yeah, I know...classic rock," but this one absolutely cooks.
The bass player kicks ass on this version - I wonder if it's Gail Ann Dorsey.
how in the world did Bowie pull it off?
he still amazes me
how could so much creativity come from this skinny little dude?
he still amazes me
how could so much creativity come from this skinny little dude?
Hope RP plays more live versions of DB songs. I need it, since I never had the chance to see him in concert - these albums will have to do, I guess (sniff).
zoopmama wrote:
Bowie
Transcendant Artist
Bowie's the man for freaky, surrealistic pop culture imagery. This was one of the first videos I ever saw on MTV, in a motel room in southern Utah in the early 80s... Sitting on the bed transfixed — a minor adolescent revelation seeing the thin white duke rising from the water in a clown suit! (But nothing compared to seeing him as Ziggy Stardust on a TV special a few years prior... "Is he crazy? Is he really an alien?! Are people allowed to do that?")
coloradojohn wrote:
coloradojohn wrote:
Yes, indeed...some of the best and funkiest bass action ever in a song! (Both the Scary Monsters and this version seem to jam equally well in such regard.) George Murray, you really ROCKED it, for sure! And I can't help but remember that shockingly SURREAL video from way back when...
Bowie
Transcendant Artist
Thanks Bill. We want more Bowie.
such a loss... 
h8rhater wrote:
First song that came on when I put my Bowie playlist on Random this morning. Word on a Wing which was really a beautiful prayer.
So sad. Great loss.
Every song is a 10 now.
"In this age of grand illusion
You walked into my life
Out of my dreams
I don't need another change
Still you forced your way
Into my scheme of things"
"In this age of grand illusion
You walked into my life
Out of my dreams
I don't need another change
Still you forced your way
Into my scheme of things"
First song that came on when I put my Bowie playlist on Random this morning. Word on a Wing which was really a beautiful prayer.
So sad. Great loss.
Who would've known that Ashes to Ashes would be all too close?!? RIP David Bowie
You are killing me here Bill!
Here it is, the song I always have to stop what I'm doing and love. Everything about this recording is flawless, especially Gail Ann Dorsey on bass and the creepy overhead speaker in department store from outer space voiceovers.
This recording is my favorite song in all of music.
Thank you for the link to Dorsey's wiki - it led me to her and Bowie's live cover of Laurie Anderson's 'O Superman' , lovely as well.